Melting Lunar Dust With a Laser to Enable 3-D Printing on the Moon | Digital Trends

An artist’s concept of MOONRISE technology in action on the moon. Left, the lunar module ALINA; right, the rover with the MOONRISE technology — with the laser switched on, melting moon dust. LZH

Dust is a major problem for lunar expeditions. Not only is it harmful to astronaut’s health, it also gums up devices and causes technological problems. But now scientists from Germany have come up with an idea to make use of dust: by melting it with a laser and using it to 3D-print tools and equipment.